THE COMEBACK

The spiritual teachings say when a believer experiences a setback, it can be the setup for a comeback. I like that. I can see how things are miraculously accelerating in my life to set my feet on solid rock again. Have you ever experienced that? It's awesome.

WAY better than sinking sand.

As things fell apart at the studio, a new path was coming together. One where I took my writing, coaching and personal training online. When the studio closed in December, I purposefully withdrew from the world and the shoulds, obligations and routines from my past. I knew I had spiritual work to do and that meant cleaning house (literally and figuratively).

During prayer and meditation, I heard very clearly that I was meant to wait, rest, and learn to trust. So I did. My main focus was on the Ignatian prayer exercises I was so fortunate to be right in the middle of. Coincidence? Hardly.

Wait. Rest. Trust Me.

What started to emerge was a love for my online university, the clear understanding that our community/ministry absolutely could continue, and my ministry could be more intentional and focused without the distractions and high cost of running a business.

The words that kept coming up were ministry and adventure.  As I thought about that, I realized that any change in our lives is an adventure.

• Deciding to get healthy and fit is an adventure.
• Transitioning to an empty nest and rediscovering you is an adventure.
• Retirement and discovering what's next is an adventure.
• Stepping onto a spiritual path is an adventure, especially if religion has let you down in the past.
• Moving, downsizing, tidying up, or minimalizing clutter is an adventure. Whew, it really is.
• Changing careers is an adventure.
• Beginning, maintaining or leaving a relationship is an adventure.

I happen to be really good at coming along beside people who are on such adventures, and guiding them into the presence of God, which is the only place I believe authentic growth, change and healing can take place. And I love doing it, so I shall continue.

The cool things is, I get to do it online now, from anywhere. I've decided to start in Phoenix, then see the world. I'd like to take you with me.

Here's how you can help:

Keep in touch! Read about my adventures into travel, minimalism, and radical downsizing. I'm only taking with me what I can fit in my car. And the hooligans, of course. Respond to my newsletters and let me know you are still with me. I love hearing from you.

Pray for me. Pray for our safe drive across the country. Pray that the little apartment I choose is just right. Pray that I find a church I love as much or more than the Vineyard. Pray that I meet the people I am supposed to meet, including a kind, spiritual guy that likes to hike with me (must love dogs). Pray that I can continue my ministry and still make it financially. Pray that my relationships with my amazing family are only strengthened by this change, and I get to see them as much if not more than I did before.

Visit me. Sometimes the clarity that's found on a mountain trail is the set up and acceleration needed to find your comeback. It's happened to me numerous times since my first trip to Utah in 2001. I can have you as a guest, or I can host you as a retreat client. If you come as a client, we'll create a personalized visit that can include immersion coaching, meditation, hiking, healthy eating or anything else you are seeking. I mean, Sedona is only two hours away.

Join my online university. It's so awesome, I can't describe how much you get for only $50/month. I'll try: You get six LIVE strength training classes/week where we can actually talk, laugh and see each other. You get recordings of every workout, so if you travel, or have a crazy schedule, or don't want to have to go to a gym or studio you can still lift. Set the thermostat to what YOU want - haha. Workouts are 30 minutes, and all you need is a pair of weights. This is THE best way to support me, my future, and this ministry while still getting something incredibly worthwhile for yourself.

Begin or continue personal training or coaching with me. It's so easy online, and after a minute or two, you forget that there is a screen. It simply feels like we are together. I already have amazing clients in Florida, Illinois, New York, Arizona and Nevada. Listen, if you have a workout room in your home that you don't use, and you wish you did, this is perfect. I will make you exercise and you shall enjoy it, because we will be busy chatting about life.

I leave Ohio June 10th and my move in date in Paradise Valley is June 14th. I still have a few iterations of downsizing to do. It was such a challenge to let go of STUFF, but I can see how it is opening up my heart to the next chapter. The energy is being cleared out. I couldn't move on to something new, while dragging the past behind me. So I've let it go.

I've already heard from a lot of you, and your heart's desire to declutter, travel more, be brave and adventurous, and finally be free from worry/anxious thoughts. Friends, change is inevitable. But the fun thing is, if you are brave, you get to decide what the changes in your life mean FOR YOU. I choose adventure.